Alternative rock icons Red Hot Chili Peppers - led by a shirtless Anthony Kiedis - then joined the popstar as Mars began singing a refrain from their 1991 classic 'Give It Away'.

The team-up was followed by a sentimental climax as a series of video dedications from US servicemen and women were aired as Mars crooned 'Just the Way You Are' while a fireworks display exploded across the sky.

Queen Latifah opened the festivities earlier in the night by singing 'America the Beautiful', while Grammy winner Renée Fleming performed the US national anthem.

This year's Super Bowl is being held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

NFC champions the Denver Broncos are facing off with AFC Champions the Seattle Seahawks.